The Challenges Which Await You During Your First Semester Away At School

Going away to school can be great fun but it is most definitely a transition for those young students who are used to being under the care of their parents. This may be their first attempt at independence and while they will need to make sure that they pay their bills and manage their own lives they will at the same time be undergoing a very rigorous class schedule as well. This can present several challenges.
Balance - This is by far one of the most significant challenges that first time college freshman face. When left in an environment where every individual decision is completely up to them the college freshman may be tempted to spend more time with friends and participating in social activities than taking care of school work and studying. It can be especially distracting if the freshman has a roommate that is more focused on fun than on doing the work required.
Money - The majority of students who are on their own for the first time don't really know anything about managing money. As a matter of fact, many have never before had to manage and budget their resources. Whether they are working for their own money or they are using the money that Mom and Dad are sending them they will likely need some support in setting guidelines as to which college supplies are necessities and which ones are not. Finding ways to spend less and save more are important skills that young adults need to discover.
Grades - The colleges tend to consider grades very critically and if a student receives any type of grant money then they probably need to maintain a certain GPA. Those who were decent students in high school and that finished at the top of their class may still have a hard time maintaining in the college classroom. Making the grade in college takes a lot more independent work and a higher level of thinking. It is essential if you see your grades slipping to get some extra help by mid-semester so as not to mess up your time in college.
Homesickness - Just about every student will experience some sort of homesickness during their first semester away. It usually comes around midterms when students begin getting overly tired and worn out. Sending your student some dorm supplies and other goodies, some care packages during the course of a semester just out of the blue can really help to keep them focused and help them to combat missing home as much.